Title: Compound a prescription or medication order.
Course: Pharmacy Technician II (14152-II) > Section: Assisting the Pharmacist in Serving Patients

Compounding an order should include the following steps:

- Assemble equipment and/or supplies necessary for compounding the prescription or medication order in accordance with United States Pharmacopeia-National Formulary (USP-NF) standards.
- Demonstrate proper use of all equipment needed to compound the prescription or medication order.
- Perform calculations required for usual dosage determinations and preparation of compounded IV admixtures.
- Compound medications (e.g., ointments, reconstituted antibiotic suspensions) for dispensing according to prescription formula or instructions.
- Prepare sterile products.
- Simulate preparation of chemotherapy.
- Record preparation and/or ingredients of medications (e.g., lot number, control number, expiration date).
- Keep all medication containers and supply packages together for the final check by the pharmacist.
- Dispose of all waste items in accordance with safety standards.

See PTCB 3.6, 3.7, 7.4 (https://www.ptcb.org/lib24watch/files/pdf/169).

See ASHP 3.15, 3.16, 3.17 (https://www.ashp.org/-/media/assets/professional-development/technician-program-accreditation/docs/ashp-acpe-pharmacy-technician-accreditation-standard-2018.ashx?la=en&hash=36EAA6511105A6C6BFEA4F30E193892F19E2C385).

Process/Skill Questions:

- What is the logic of each step in the procedure for cleaning a laminar flow biological safety cabinet?
- What does the term calibration mean as it refers to equipment commonly used in pharmacy practice?
- Why is documentation important in compounding?
- Why are storage and stability information important when compounding a product?
- What are USP compounding standards?
- What are the definitions for TPN, TPA, IVPB, IV, and LVP? What are piggybacks?
  - Total Parenteral Nutrition
  - Tissue Plasminogen Activator
  - Intravenous piggyback
  - Large Volume Parenteral

Code of Virginia Statutes Related to Pharmacy Technicians

Va. Code §54.1-3410.2 — Compounding; pharmacists’ authority to compound under certain conditions; labeling and record maintenance requirements

Virginia Administrative Code Regulations Governing the Practice of Pharmacy

18VAC110-20-411 — General Requirements

18VAC110-20-412 — Policy and Procedure Manual

18VAC110-20-413 — Physical and equipment requirements for pharmacies preparing sterile products

18VAC110-20-414 — Labeling requirements

18VAC110-20-415 — Quality Assurance

18VAC110-20-416 — Regulations for Sterile Compounding